Newsletter - June 2024

June is Pride Month

Dear MI Community,

June is PRIDE month and is a time to celebrate the historical contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community as well as LGBTQ+ history, culture, and rights.

The roots of PRIDE trace back to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. Sometimes simply referred to as "Stonewall," it was a catalyst for gay rights movements across the country.

YFS human services professionals often work with LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and seniors who can be at elevated risk for mental health issues. However, it is important to understand that identifying as LGBTQ+ is NOT a mental illness. Instead, these Islanders may face additional challenges from marginalization, discrimination, historical trauma, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in the media. Some ideas for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth can be found on YFS's Healthy Youth Initiative site (click here).

This June, please join me and YFS in honoring and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community on Mercer Island for their resilience, bravery, and vital contributions to what makes the community strong.

YFS is proud to serve as the Island's community mental health organization--call us for support or referral at our confidential voicemail line (206) 275-7657.

Derek Franklin, YFS Administrator

derek.franklin@mercerisland.gov

(Another!) New Senior Support Group: Living Alone

YFS continues its collaboration with Island resident and Geriatric Specialist, Carin Mack, to offer another support group for seniors. The "Living Alone" group will offer support, community, and ideas/resources for seniors living on their own. Mercer Island is fortunate to have so many senior residents thriving in later life and has heard from many that the isolation of living by themselves can be a challenge. The group is free and meets the second Tuesdays of the month beginning June 11, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. Call the YFS confidential voicemail line to sign up or ask questions (206) 275-7657.

>>Download Flyer

Preschool Scholarships

The Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) partners with YFS to make a limited amount of scholarship funds available to income qualified families. Many thanks to MIPA! Applications are being accepted now through July 1 for scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year. Contact YFS Emergency Assistance Coordinator, Cheryl Manriquez, by calling the YFS confidential voicemail line where you can also get additional information about the program: (206) 275-7657

Preschool helps young children learn the building blocks of future social and academic success while supporting schedules of hard-working parents.

>>Learn More

Tips for a Safe Graduation

The youth, parents, and professionals on YFS's Healthy Youth Initiative coalition have tips for a safe graduation:

Parents set clear grad party expectations about alcohol and drugs
Never take any pill or prescription medication not prescribed to you
Know the law and do not furnish alcohol to minors or host underage drinking events
Safe hosting includes keeping the party close by and checking for drugs/alcohol
Have a no-consequence, 24 hr. emergency plan if a safe ride home is needed
Parents model the alcohol/drug behavior you hope to see

YFS recognizes the hard work and remarkable accomplishments of Island youth and the Class of 2024--Congratulations! Please celebrate safely and best wishes on your next step in life. You make the Island proud.

>>Learn More

Juneteenth Commemorates an Effective End of Slavery in the U.S.

Juneteenth, "June Nineteenth," has been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021 and marks the day in 1865 when troops in Galveston, TX, took control of the state to make sure all enslaved people were freed. This was two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

At YFS, we recognize the additional challenges our black neighbors may face from historical/generational trauma, racism, and marginalization and work to offer support in the mental health and human services domain.

In our counseling work, we also recognize the unique strengths of black families and communities including cultural assets like extended kinship and social networks. These are powerful protective factors that can reduce risks of substance use and mental health issues among black youth.

YFS is honored to join the Juneteenth celebration at Mercerdale Park as a human service provider and ally. (Event hosted by The MIHS Black Student Union and sponsored by the City of Mercer Island.)

>>More Information

Thank You MIYFS Foundation

YFS says "Thank You" to new MIYFS Foundation Board President, Cindy Goetzmann, Treasurer Frank Schott, Secretary Kimberly Frank, and Board Members as well as new Executive Director, Amy French.

YFS is grateful for the collaboration and your support of our mission to offer services that enhance the wellbeing of all Islanders across the lifespan.

The donation of your time, expertise, and resources has seen your financial support for YFS steadily increase to now accounting for almost 1/4 of our entire budget. On behalf of YFS counselors, case managers, prevention specialists, coordinators, and drug/alcohol interventionists...thanks you for ALL you do.

For more information about donating to the MIYFS Foundation or volunteering, email Amy French or call the Foundation at (206) 400-1993.

>>Learn More

Thrift Shop June Deals Also On-line

The Mercer Island Thrift Shop is run by the City of Mercer Island and all proceeds support Youth and Family Services programs. Please check out their June Daily Sales and Discounts. Great sales and special inventory are also available for sale on-line where some remarkable treasures await. In fact, this week you might find a Tory Burch leather tote, a First Edition (book) of Gone with the Wind, or a framed vintage Katharine Hepburn photo and autograph.

Your donation of clothing, accessories, and household items to the Thrift Shop also supports YFS. Shop or donate today!

>>Learn More

Staff Spotlight:

Joy Cain, Island Park Elementary School Counselor

Joy Cain, LMFT, ATR is one of our newer team members and brings loads of talent to the Island Park Elementary Community where she serves as a YFS school-based counselor. Joy is a licensed marriage and family therapist with an art therapy specialty that helps her connect extremely well with young students, teachers, and parents. The Island Park PTA also recognized Joy's many talents by recently honored her with the "Eagle Spirit" Award. Congratulations Joy! YFS is lucky to have Joy on the team.

Parenting Mercer Island (Online) Tips:

Check out parentingmercerisland.org for YFS's home-grown, Island-specific parenting website with parenting tips and strategies organized by your child's developmental age (5-19).